Mennonite

[ men-uh-nahyt ]

/ ˈmɛn əˌnaɪt /

noun

a member of an evangelical Protestant sect, originating in Europe in the 16th century, that opposes infant baptism, practices baptism of believers only, restricts marriage to members of the denomination, opposes war and bearing arms, and is noted for simplicity of living and plain dress.

Origin of Mennonite

1555–65; < German Mennonit; named after Menno Simons (1492–1559), Frisian religious leader; see -ite¹

OTHER WORDS FROM Mennonite

Men·no·nit·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for mennonites

The Mennonites are the largest and most significant group of non-resistants.
Introduction to Non-Violence|Theodore Paullin
Spinoza fled to his friends, the Mennonites, plain market-gardeners who lived a few miles out of the city.
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Philosophers, Volume 8|Elbert Hubbard
The Mennonites consider themselves specially aggrieved by the so-called reforms.
Russia|Donald Mackenzie Wallace
As will later appear, despite some inconsistencies, the Mennonites have a piety as literal as any to be found on the earth.
Adventures While Preaching the Gospel of Beauty|Nicholas Vachel Lindsay

The German colonists consist principally of Mennonites and Lutherans.
Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel|John Yeardley

British Dictionary definitions for mennonites

Mennonite

/ (ˈmɛnəˌnaɪt) /

noun

a member of a Protestant sect that rejects infant baptism, Church organization, and the doctrine of transubstantiation and in most cases refuses military service, public office, and the taking of oaths

Derived forms of Mennonite

Mennonitism, noun

Word Origin for Mennonite

C16: from German Mennonit, after Menno Simons (1496–1561), Frisian religious leader

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for mennonites

Mennonites

A Protestant denomination, founded in the early days of the Reformation, whose members believe in living with great simplicity and who refuse to hold public office or to serve in the military. Some are as strict as the Amish in rejecting modern conveniences, such as automobiles and radios. There are numerous Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania and the Middle West.